2 Kings
The book of 2 Kings, written by an unknown author around 550 BC to the people of Israel, extends the historical narrative in 1 Kings. Chronicling the reigns of kings in both Israel and Judah, the narrative highlights a recurring theme of spiritual defiance. Northern kings like Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jeroboam II steer Israel into idolatry, leading to the Assyrian conquest and the demise of the northern kingdom. In Judah, leaders like Jotham and Hezekiah grapple with fidelity to God amid political challenges. The prophet Elisha continues the call for covenant adherence.
The Lord's Judgement - Chapter 1
After Ahab's death, Ahaziah assumes the throne in Israel. After a fall, he seeks Baal-Zebub's guidance for recovery. Elijah intercepts the messengers, foretelling Ahaziah's death. The king sends captains, but each encounters fiery divine retribution. Ahaziah succumbs to his prophesied fate. Due to his lack of a son, Joram ascends the throne. All details of Ahaziah's reign are chronicled in the annals of Israel's kings.
Elijah Taken Up To Heaven - Chapter 2
As Elijah prepares for his death and ascension, Elisha accompanies him to Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan, where a miraculous parting occurs. Elijah grants Elisha's request for a double portion of his spirit. Witnessing Elijah's celestial departure, Elisha tears his garment and inherits Elijah's cloak. Striking the Jordan, Elisha repeats the same miracle Elijah performed. Recognizing Elijah's spirit on Elisha, the prophets acknowledge his authority. Despite Elisha's reluctance, fifty men search for Elijah but found no trace of him.
Healing Of The Water
Upon the people's complaint about their city's water and unproductive land, Elisha instructs them to bring a new bowl with salt. Elisha then throws the salt into the spring, declaring that the water is healed and will no longer cause death or barrenness. The water remains pure as Elisha foretold.
Elisha Is Jeered
While traveling to Bethel, Elisha faced mockery from boys who called him "baldy." In response, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Subsequently, two bears emerged from the woods and killed the forty-two boys. Afterward, Elisha continued his journey, eventually returning to Samaria via Mount Carmel.
Moab Revolts- Chapter 3
Joram, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom join forces against Moab's rebellion. Facing a water crisis in the desert, they seek Elisha's guidance. Elisha prophesies water filling the valley without rain. The next day, water miraculously appears. The Moabites, misled by the sunrise's reflection, mistake the water for blood and anticipate victory. However, Israel wins through God's intervention.
The Widow's Olive Oil - Chapter 4
The widow of a prophet, facing debt and the threat of losing her sons, seeks Elisha's help. Elisha instructs her to gather empty jars and pour her small jar of oil into them. Miraculously, the oil multiplies to fill all the jars. Elisha advises her to sell the oil, pay her debts, and live on the proceeds. The woman follows Elisha's guidance, which rescues her from financial hardship and secures her family's future.
The Shunammite's Son Restored To Life
In Shunem, a woman shows kindness to Elisha and recognizes him as a holy man. In gratitude, Elisha promises her a son. Despite her initial disbelief due her husband's old age, she conceives and gives birth. Tragically, the boy dies, and the mother seeks Elisha's help. Elisha, through prayer, restores the child to life. Overjoyed, the Shunammite woman expresses her gratitude.
Death In The Pot
During a famine in Gilgal, Elisha instructs his servant to prepare stew for the company of prophets. A forager adds wild gourds to the pot, unknowingly making it poisonous. When the prophets taste it, they exclaim, "There is death in the pot!" Elisha adds flour and tells them the stew is now safe to eat.
Feeding Of A Hundred
A man brings Elisha twenty loaves of barley bread and some heads of new grain. Elisha instructs his servant to give it to a hundred men, despite the apparent shortage. Miraculously, they all eat and have leftovers, fulfilling Elisha's declaration that they would eat and have some left over, in alignment with the word of the Lord.
Naaman Healed Of Leprosy - Chapter 5
Naaman, a respected Aramean commander with leprosy, seeks Elisha for healing. Elisha instructs him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Initially resistant, Naaman eventually obeys, and his leprosy is cured. Grateful, Naaman offers gifts, but Elisha refuses. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, covets the gifts and deceitfully acquires them. When confronted by Elisha, Gehazi is cursed with Naaman's leprosy.
An Axhead Floats - Chapter 6
The company of prophets wanted to expand their meeting place by the Jordan. Elisha agreed and accompanied them. While cutting down trees, an iron axhead fell into the water. Distressed, a man exclaimed that it was borrowed. Elisha, using a stick to make the iron float to allow the man to retrieve it.
Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans
The king of Aram sought to capture Elisha, who, through divine insight, thwarted his plans. Elisha's servant, fearing the surrounded city, was reassured by Elisha that God's forces surpassed the enemy forces. Elisha prayed and the enemy was struck with blindness. Elisha then led them to Samaria, where their eyes were opened. Instead of harm, the king of Israel showed them kindness, hosting a feast. Consequently, the bands from Aram ceased raiding Israel.
Famine In Besieged Samaria
During a siege by Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, Samaria faced a severe famine. The desperation led to cannibalism, with two women agreeing to eat their sons. The king encountered a woman pleading for help. Learning of the gruesome act, he tore his robes. Blaming Elisha, the king sought his life. Meanwhile, Elisha predicted the messenger's arrival and instructed the elders to bar him. The king, frustrated, declared the disaster as divine and questioned waiting on the Lord any longer, highlighting the dire consequences of the siege and the people's desperation.
Famine In Besieged Samaria (cont.) - Chapter 7
Elisha prophesied abundant food in Samaria, foretelling that by the next day, fine flour and barley would be affordable. Skeptical, an officer doubted it even if the Lord opened the heavens. Elisha assured he'd see it but prophesied that the officer wouldn't partake in the food.
The Siege Lifted
During a famine, four lepers at the city gate debated their desperate situation and decided to surrender to the Aramean camp. God caused the Arameans to hear imaginary sounds, causing them to flee and left behind provisions. The lepers feasted, hid treasures, and later realized their responsibility to share the good news with the starving city. The king witnessed the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy, and the officer who doubted died in the trampling rush to access the food. God's promise came true, demonstrating the consequences of disbelief and the rewards of faith.
The Shunammite's Land Restored - Chapter 8
Elisha had previously warned a woman of a seven-year famine, and she had left her land. After the famine, she returned and sought the king's help to reclaim her property. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, was telling the king about Elisha's miracles, including the woman's son being restored to life. The king instructed an official to restore all her possessions and income during her absence.
Hazael Murders Ben-Hadad
Elisha visited Damascus, where King Ben-Hadad of Aram was ill. The king, upon hearing about Elisha's presence, sent Hazael with gifts to inquire about his recovery. Elisha prophesied that the king would recover but die, and Hazael would become king. As Elisha spoke of the atrocities Hazael would commit, Hazael was initially in disbelief. However, Elisha assured him of his future reign. When Hazael returned to Ben-Hadad, he suffocated the king, fulfilling the prophecy. Hazael then ascended to the throne of Aram.
Jehoram King Of Judah
Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, reigned over Judah for eight years, following the sinful ways of Israel's kings. Despite this, the Lord spared Judah for David's sake. Jehoram faced challenges with Edom's rebellion and conflicts, recorded in the annals. He rested with his ancestors, buried in the City of David. Ahaziah, his son, succeeded him as king.
Ahaziah King Of Judah
In the twelfth year of Joram in Israel, Ahaziah began his one-year reign over Judah. At twenty-two, he followed Ahab's sinful ways, connected by marriage to Ahab's family. Ahaziah joined Joram against Hazael of Aram, where Joram was wounded. Ahaziah visited Joram in Jezreel after the battle.
Amaziah King Of Judah - Chapter 14
In the second year of Jehoash Amaziah became king, ruled at the age of twenty-five, and ruled for twenty-nine years. Amaziah's defiance of Jehoash's warning led to a disastrous conflict at Beth Shemesh, resulting in Judah's defeat and the capture of Amaziah. Jehoash seized treasures and breached Jerusalem's walls. Subsequently, Amaziah faced a conspiracy in Jerusalem, fled to Lachish, and was killed. Azariah, aged sixteen, emerged as the successor and undertook the reconstruction of Elath, reclaiming it for Judah after Amaziah's reign.
Jeroboam II King Of Israel
In the fifteenth year of Amaziah's rule in Judah, Jeroboam ascended to the throne in Samaria, and ruled for forty-one years. Despite his accomplishments in restoring Israel's boundaries, Jeroboam continued the sinful ways of his predecessor. The Lord, moved by the suffering of the people, spared Israel from obliteration to fulfill the prophecy spoken through the prophet Jonah. Jeroboam's reign, chronicled in the annals, highlights military triumphs, including the recovery of Damascus and Hamath. Ultimately, Jeroboam passed away, and his son Zechariah assumed the kingship over Israel.
Jehu Anointed King Of Israel - Chapter 9
The prophet Elisha instructs a young prophet to anoint Jehu as the new king of Israel. The young prophet follows the instructions to anoint Jehu and delivers a message from the Lord, proclaiming Jehu's role in avenging the bloodshed caused by Ahab and Jezebel. Jehu's fellow officers acknowledge him as king by spreading their cloaks on the steps and proclaiming his kingship with trumpets.
Jehu Kills Joram And Ahaziah
Jehu, conspiring against Joram, approaches Jezreel. Joram, seeking peace, faces Jehu's confrontation over Jezebel's idolatrous practices. Jehu fatally shoots an arrow at Joram. Fulfilling a prophecy regarding Naboth's blood, Joram's body is placed on Naboth's plot. Jehu pursues Ahaziah, wounding him, and Ahaziah later dies in Megiddo. Ahaziah is buried in Jerusalem.
Jezebel Killed
Jehu arrives in Jezreel, and Jezebel confronts him with disdain. Jehu calls for the execution of Jezebel. Jezebel is thrown down, and her remains are consumed by dogs. Jehu commands her burial, but only her skull, feet, and hands are found. Jehu acknowledges the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy regarding Jezebel's fate.
Ahab's Family Killed - Chapter 10
Jehu sends letters to Samaria instructing the officials to appoint a new king from Ahab's descendants. Fearing Jehu's power, they comply, and Jehu demands the heads of Ahab's seventy sons. The officials execute the princes and deliver their heads to Jehu. The next day, Jehu claims innocence for the massacre, emphasizing the divine fulfillment of Elijah's prophecies against Ahab. Jehu eliminates the remaining members of Ahab's house in Jezreel and later extends his efforts to Samaria, fulfilling the Lord's word to Elijah. Jehu encounters Jehonadab, who aligns with him, and together they continue executing Ahab's relatives in Samaria.
Servant's Of Baal Killed
Jehu, faking devotion to Baal, gathers the prophets and worshippers of Baal for a grand assembly. After gathering all worshippers of Baal, Jehu orders their execution. The guards, under Jehu's command, kill all the followers and destroy the temple and sacred stone of Baal. Despite this, Jehu continues the sins of Jeroboam, maintaining the worship of golden calves. Though God commends Jehu for executing His judgment on Ahab's house, Jehu's descendants will only rule for four generations. Hazael's oppression diminishes Israel's territory, and Jehu dies after a 28-year reign, succeeded by his son Jehoahaz.
Athaliah And Joash - Chapter 11
After learning of her son's death, Athaliah plans to kill the royal family as revenge. Jehosheba, Ahaziah's sister, saves Joash by hiding him for six years in the temple of the LORD. In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest reveals Joash to the commanders to initiate a plan to make him king. Guards surround Joash, and Jehoiada anoints him, proclaiming him king. Athaliah protests, but the people support Joash. Jehoiada establishes covenants between the Lord, the king, and the people. They destroy the temple of Baal, execute its priest, and set guards at the Lord's temple. Joash ascends the throne at age seven, bringing peace after Athaliah's demise.
Joash Repairs The Temple - Chapter 12
Joash rules for forty years. He follows Jehoiada's guidance, except for maintaining high places. Joash orders the temple's repair, but after 23 years with no progress, Jehoiada confronts the priests. The priests agree not to collect money but to oversee repairs. A chest is placed for temple donations. When full, the funds are distributed for repairs to skilled laborers such as carpenters, builders, masons, and stone cutters. The money is used honestly, and the temple is restored. Joash pays Hazael with temple treasures to avert an attack. Later, officials assassinate Joash, and his son Amaziah becomes king. Joash's reign and challenges are documented in the annals of Judah's kings.
Jehoahaz King Of Israel - Chapter 13
Jehoahaz, Jehu's son, reigns for 17 years in Israel. Jeoahaz follows Jeroboam's sins, which incurs the Lord's anger. Hazael of Aram oppresses Israel during this period. When Jehoahaz seeks the Lord's favor due to Aram's oppression, God provides a deliverer, and Israel escapes Aram's power. Despite this, Israel doesn't turn from Jeroboam's sins. Jehoahaz's army is decimated, leaving only fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers. Jehoahaz dies, is buried in Samaria, and is succeeded by his son Jehoash. The annals of Israel's kings detail Jehoahaz's reign.
Jehoash King Of Israel
In the thirty-seventh year of Joash in Judah, Jehoash, Jehoahaz's son, reigns over Israel for sixteen years in Samaria. Jehoash continues Jeroboam's sins. Jehoash engages in a war against Amaziah that is detailed in the annals of the kings of Israel. Elisha, on his deathbed, instructs Jehoash to shoot out the window, which Elisha says symbolizes the LORD's arrow of victory over Aram. Elisha then tells Jehoash to strike the ground. Jehoash strikes the ground three times, disappointing Elisha, who foretells a limited victory against Aram. Jehoash dies, and Moabite raiders discover new life when a man's body touches Elisha's bones. Hazael oppresses Israel during Jehoahaz's reign, but the Lord shows compassion due to His covenant. After Hazael's death, Jehoash recaptures towns from Ben-Hadad.
Azariah King Of Judah - Chapter 15
In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam's reign in Israel, Azariah, the son of Amaziah, ascended to the throne in Judah. Starting his rule at sixteen, Azariah reigned for fifty-two years in Jerusalem. Azariah followed the righteous path of his father Amaziah but didn't eliminate the high places where sacrifices were made. The Lord afflicted Azariah with leprosy until his death, which led him to live in seclusion. Jotham, the king's son, took charge of the palace and governed the people. Following Azariah's passing, he was buried alongside his ancestors in the City of David, and Jotham succeeded him as king.
Zechariah King of Israel
In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah's reign in Judah, Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam, took the throne in Israel. However, his rule lasted only six months, marked by evildoing and a continuation of the sins of Jeroboam. Zechariah faced a conspiracy led by Shallum, who assassinated him in front of the people and became the new king. This fulfilled the prophecy spoken to Jehu by the Lord, declaring that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel for four generations. Additional details about Zechariah's reign are recorded in the annals of the kings of Israel.
Shallum King Of Israel
Shallum, who became king in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah's reign in Judah, ruled over Samaria for only one month. His brief reign was cut short when Menahem, son of Gadi, went from Tirzah to Samaria and assassinated Shallum to take the throne. The annals of the kings of Israel document the events of Shallum's reign and the conspiracy against him. Subsequently, Menahem, departing from Tirzah, violently attacked Tiphsah and its surroundings to punish the city for refusing to open its gates and committing other atrocities like ripping open pregnant women.
Menahem King Of Israel
In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah's rule in Judah, Menahem, son of Gadi, ascended to the throne of Israel, reigning over Samaria for ten years. Menahem continued the sinful practices of Jeroboam, not turning away from them throughout his reign. Faced with the threat of invasion by Pul, the king of Assyria, Menahem sought to secure his position by offering a substantial tribute of a thousand talents of silver. This sum was collected from the wealthy individuals in Israel, each contributing fifty shekels of silver. As a result, the Assyrian king withdrew, allowing Menahem to maintain control. The annals of the kings of Israel detail Menahem's reign, and after his death, Pekahiah, his son, succeeded him as king.
Pekahiah King Of Israel
In the fiftieth year of Azariah's reign in Judah, Pekahiah, Menahem's son, assumed the throne of Israel in Samaria, reigning for two years. Pekahiah persisted in the sinful ways of Jeroboam, not turning from them. His chief officer, Pekah son of Remaliah, assassinates Pekahiah, along with Argob and Arieh in the citadel of the royal palace at Samaria. Pekah then seized the throne. The annals of the kings of Israel document Pekahiah's reign and actions.
Pekah King Of Israel
In the fifty-second year of Azariah's rule in Judah, Pekah, Remaliah's son, ascended the throne of Israel in Samaria, reigning for twenty years. Pekah persisted in the sinful ways initiated by Jeroboam, not turning away from them. During his reign, Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria, invaded, capturing several cities and exiling their inhabitants to Assyria. In the twentieth year of Jotham, Pekah's rule was cut short when Hoshea, son of Elah, assassinates him to become king. The annals of the kings of Israel contain an account of Pekah's reign and deeds.
Jotham King Of Judah
In the second year of Pekah's reign in Israel, Jotham, Uzziah's son, assumed the throne of Judah. At twenty-five, Joatham reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years, doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, similar to his father Uzziah. However, Jotham didn't remove the high places where sacrifices persisted. Joatham oversaw the rebuilding of the Upper Gate of the temple of the LORD. Details of Jotham's reign are in the annals of the kings of Judah. In his time, the Lord allowed Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, son of Remaliah, to oppose Judah. Jotham was buried in the City of David, and Ahaz, his son, succeeded him as king.
Ahaz King Of Judah - Chapter 16
In the seventeenth year of Pekah's rule in Israel, Ahaz, Jotham's son, ascended the throne of Judah at the age of twenty. Unlike his father David, Ahaz did not follow the Lord's ways. Ahaz adopted the practices of the kings of Israel, even sacrificing his son in the fire. Ahaz engaged in detestable practices, offering sacrifices at high places, on hilltops, and under spreading trees. When Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel besieged Jerusalem, Ahaz sought help from Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria. Ahaz sent gifts to Tiglath-Pileser and after Assyria defeated Aram, Ahaz altered the temple structure. Ahaz's reign details can be found in the annals of the kings of Judah. Ahaz was buried in the City of David, and his son Hezekiah succeeded him.
Hezekiah King Of Judah - Chapter 18
In the third year of Hoshea's reign in Israel, Hezekiah ascended the throne in Judah, reigning for twenty-nine years. Unlike his predecessors, Hezekiah pleased the Lord by dismantling high places, destroying sacred objects, and removing idols, including the bronze snake Moses made because it was now used as an idol. Trusting in the LORD, Hezekiah resisted the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, and triumphed over the Philistines. In the fourteenth year of his reign, Sennacherib invaded Judah to capture its fortified cities. Acknowledging his error, Hezekiah offered tribute to the Assyrian king, surrendering treasures from the temple and palace and even stripping gold from the temple doors.
Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, besieged Jerusalem and sent a delegation to persuade King Hezekiah to surrender. The field commander, representing Assyria, mocked Judah's reliance on Egypt and their God, asserting that even Egypt was weak. The field commander warned against trusting in the LORD, citing the removal of high places by Hezekiah. Offering horses and peace, he tried to undermine Hezekiah's confidence. The field commander spoke in Hebrew, ensuring the people heard. Judah's officials, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah, requested Aramaic, but the commander rejected, proclaiming the king's message. The field commander then accused Hezekiah of deception and urged surrender. The officials informed Hezekiah and were distrested by the dire warning from the Assyrian commander.
Hoshea Last King Of Israel - Chapter 17
In the twelfth year of Ahaz's reign in Judah, Hoshea, Elah's son, became the king of Israel in Samaria and reigned for nine years. Hoshea did evil in the eyes of the LORD but it differed from his predecessors. Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, attacked Hoshea because he stopped paying tribute and sought help from Egypt. Shalmaneser captured Hoshea after a three-year siege of Samaria. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and sent the Israelites to Assyria. The Israelites settle in Halah, Gozan on the Habor River and the towns of the Medes.
Israel Exiled Because of Sin
The downfall of the Israelites unfolded as a consequence of their persistent disobedience to the LORD. Despite warnings from prophets and seers, the Israelites embraced idolatry, setting up high places, sacred stones, Asherah poles, and even sacrificing their own children. The LORD's anger led to the removal of Israel from His presence. Though Judah followed a similar path, the Lord's rejection and affliction fell upon all of Israel. Their continued sinfulness resulted in exile to Assyria, fulfilling the warnings given by the prophets.
Samaria Resettled
After the Assyrians settled foreigners in Samaria to replace the exiled Israelites, the newcomers did not worship the LORD. In response, God sent lions, prompting the king of Assyria to instruct a deported priest to return and teach the people the ways of the local deity. Despite learning about and worshipping the LORD, they clung to their pagan practices, worshipping their gods according to their customs. This syncretism (the practice of combining different beliefs) persisted, by worshiping both the LORD and their idols.
Jerusalem's Deliverance Foretold - Chapter 19
Worried, Hezekiah sought the prophet Isaiah. In humility, he acknowledged the day's distress and sought prayer. Isaiah assured Hezekiah by delivering a message from the Lord: the Assyrian king would be repelled, and he would receive a report that would lead him to withdraw. The field commander, upon hearing about a new threat, left for another battle. Sennacherib, after learning of Tirhakah's approach, sent a message to Hezekiah to question his trust in God and compare the failures of other nations' gods. The Assyrian king sought to undermine Hezekiah's confidence in divine protection.
Hezekiah's Prayer
Upon reading the Assyrian king's letter, Hezekiah went to the temple and showcased the letter before the LORD. Hezekiah acknowledges God's sovereignty over all kingdoms and appeals for divine intervention. Hezekiah appeals for the Lord to hear and see the insults hurled by Sennacherib. Hezekiah asks God to deliver them, not just for their sake but so that all nations would recognize the supremacy of the true God.
Isaiah Prophesies Sennacherib's Fall
Isaiah relayed the LORD's response to Hezekiah, assuring divine intervention against the Assyrians' blasphemy. God spoke of their impending disgrace and defeat. The LORD highlighted His sovereignty over nations, affirming that Assyria's achievements were within His plan. The prophecy foretold Assyria's failure to conquer Jerusalem and the miraculous death of 185,000 soldiers. Sennacherib retreated, only to be later assassinated by his sons. Esarhaddon succeeded Sennacherib as the new king of Assyria.
Hezekiah's Illness - Chapter 20
Hezekiah fell ill and Isaiah delivered a message from the Lord, which proclaims Hezekiah's imminent death. Hezekiah prays, recalling his faithful devotion. God assures Hezekiah that he will heal and live an additional fifteen years of life. Isaiah prescribes a fig poultice, and Hezekiah recovers. To confirm the promise, Hezekiah asked for a sign. Isaiah prays, causing the shadow on Ahaz's sundial to reverse by ten steps—a miraculous sign of God's intervention.
Envoys From Babylon
Recovering from illness, King Hezekiah receives envoys from Babylon's king, Marduk-Baladan. Hezekiah showcased his wealth and treasures to them. Isaiah questioned Hezekiah about the visitors, and upon learning they were from Babylon, Isaiah prophesied that all in the palace would be taken to Babylon. Isaiah also foresaw that Hezekiah's descendants would become eunuchs in the king of Babylon's palace. Hezekiah accepted this fate, finding it acceptable if there was peace during his lifetime. Hezekiah's other achievements include the construction of a water tunnel and his son Manasseh succeeding him as king.
Manasseh King Of Judah - Chapter 21
Manasseh became king at twelve and ruled over Jerusalem for fifty-five years. Manasseh committed evil in the eyes of the LORD. Manasseh reinstated idolatrous practices, built altars to pagan gods, sacrificed his son, and engaged in forbidden rituals. God warned of impending disaster due to Manasseh's evils. Despite the prophets' messages, Manasseh persisted in leading Judah astray. His reign ended with his death, and he was buried in his palace garden. Amon, his son, succeeded him as king, perpetuating the troubled legacy of idolatry and disobedience.
Amon King Of Judah
Amon ascended to the throne at twenty-two, ruling for two years in Jerusalem. Following his father Manasseh's sinful path, Amon continued idolatrous practices, forsaking the Lord. Amon's reign ended tragically as his officials conspired against him, which led to his assassination. The people retaliated, executing those behind the plot. Josiah, Amon's son, succeeded him as king. Amon was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza, and the events of his brief reign are recorded in the annals of the kings of Judah.
The Book Of The Law Found - Chapter 22
Josiah ascended the throne at eight, reigned for thirty-one years, and aligned with the righteous ways of David. In his eighteenth year, he initiated temple repairs. Hilkiah, the high priest, discovered the Book of the Law. Upon hearing the book's words, Josiah tore his robes, recognizing the people's sins. Seeking guidance, Josiah dispatched officials, including Hilkiah, to prophetess Huldah. She prophesied disaster due to idolatry but acknowledged Josiah's repentance and humility. Huldah assured Joshiah of a peaceful death before God's punishment.
Josiah Renews The Covenant - Chapter 23
Josiah gathered the elders and people of Judah in Jerusalem. In a ceremony at the temple, he read aloud the Book of the Covenant to renew the commitment to follow the Lord's commands. Josiah initiated a purge of pagan worship including removing idolatrous articles, destroying high places, and desecrating Topheth, dismantling altars, burning Asherah poles, and defiling Bethel's altar. Josiah eradicated shrines in Samaria, slaughtered idolatrous priests, and celebrated an unprecedented Passover. Josiah abolished mediums and idols to fulfill the law discovered by Hilkiah. Despite Josiah's exemplary devotion, the Lord's anger persisted due to past sins, leading to the eventual rejection of Judah and Jerusalem. Josiah died tragically in battle against Pharaoh Necho, and Jehoahaz succeeded him as king. The detailed account of Josiah's reign is recorded in the annals of the kings of Judah.
Johoahaz King Of Judah
Jehoahaz only reigned for three months and followed the sinful ways of his predecessors. Pharaoh Necho deposed him and imposed heavy levies on Judah. Eliakim, renamed Jehoiakim, became king. Jehoahaz was taken to Egypt, where he died. Jehoiakim, to fulfill Pharaoh's demands, levied taxes on the land, collecting silver and gold from the people according to their assessments.
Jehoiakim King Of Judah
Jehoiakim, ascending to the throne at twenty-five, ruled Jerusalem for eleven years and continued the pattern of evil established by his predecessors. His reign contributed to the ongoing disobedience and spiritual decline in Judah, further straining the relationship with the LORD.
Jehoiakim King Of Judah (cont.) - Chapter 24
During Jehoiakim's reign, he initially served Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, for three years. However, he later rebelled, leading to Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite attacks on Judah, thus fulfilling the LORD's prophecy due to the sins of Manasseh. These events are chronicled in the annals of Judah's kings and lead to Jehoiakim's death. His son Jehoiachin succeeded him as king. The king of Egypt refrained from further military actions since Babylon had seized his territory from the Wadi of Egypt to the Euphrates River.
Jehoiachin King Of Judah
Reigning for a brief three months, Jehoiachin continued the pattern of evil set by his father. Nebuchadnezzar's officers besieged Jerusalem, and the city fell under Nebuchadnezzar's direct siege. Jehoiachin, along with his nobles, officials, and mother, surrendered. In the eighth year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, Jehoiachin was captured. The treasures of the LORD's temple and the royal palace were taken, and Nebuchadnezzar deported a significant portion of Jerusalem, leaving only the poorest. Jehoiachin, along with his mother, wives, officials, and prominent citizens, were taken to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar appointed Mattaniah (Zedekiah), Jehoiachin's uncle, as the new king.
Zedekiah King Of Judah
Zedekiah, ruling for eleven years, continued the line of evil kings. The calamities that happened to Jerusalem and Judah were attributed to the LORD's anger.
The Fall Of Jerusalem - Chapter 25
In the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, which led to a severe famine. When the city wall was breached, Zedekiah fled but was captured. Nebuchadnezzar executed Zedekiah's sons before him, blinded him, and took him to Babylon. In the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, Jerusalem faced destruction. The imperial guard, Nebuzaradan, burned the temple, the royal palace, and all significant structures. They deported the remaining people but left only the poor. The Babylonians pillaged the temple, taking valuable items. Judah went into captivity. Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah as governor, but he was later assassinated by Ishmael, leading to widespread fear and migration to Egypt.
Jehoiachin Released
In the thirty-seventh year of Jehoiachin's exile, Awel-Marduk, the king of Babylon, released Jehoiachin from prison on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month. After release, Awel-Marduk gave Jehoiachin a seat of honor. Jehoiachin abandoned his prison attire and dined regularly at the king's table. Throughout his life, Jehoiachin received a daily allowance from the king.